**How to Get Away with Murder: An Exploration of One of America's Most Popular Legal Drama TV Series**

**Introduction**

"How to Get Away with Murder" (HTGAWM) is an American legal drama television series that captivated audiences with its thrilling plots and complex characters. Created by Peter Nowalk and produced by Shonda Rhimes, the show premiered on ABC in September 2014 and ran for six seasons until its conclusion in May 2020. Despite the series ending, it remains one of the most popular and influential legal dramas in the history of American television, thanks in large part to its innovative storytelling and strong performances, particularly by Viola Davis, who played the lead role.

**Production and Development**

HTGAWM was developed by Peter Nowalk, a protégé of Shonda Rhimes, whose Shondaland company produced the series alongside ABC Studios. The show was part of a successful lineup of series produced by Rhimes, which includes other hits like "Grey's Anatomy" and "Scandal." The show was filmed primarily in Los Angeles, California, although it is set at a fictional university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The series was announced in 2013 and quickly gained attention because of its involvement with Shonda Rhimes and the casting of Viola Davis, who was already regarded as one of the finest actors of her generation. The inclusion of a strong, complex African-American female lead was a significant aspect of the series and brought a considerable amount of interest and credibility to the project.

**Plot and Themes**

The narrative of HTGAWM centers around Annalise Keating (played by Viola Davis), a brilliant, charismatic, and seductive professor of defense law, who teaches a class called How to Get Away with Murder. The story arcs span her professional and personal life, interwoven with the lives of her students who become entwined in a murder plot.

The series was renowned for its complex storytelling, often employing flash-forward and flashback sequences that reveal key plot elements in a non-linear fashion. Themes of loyalty, ethics, and the moral quandaries of the legal system are pervasive, along with the exploration of social issues such as sexual orientation, mental health, and racial inequality.

**Cast and Characters**

Viola Davis stars as Annalise Keating, and her powerful performance has been widely lauded, earning her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, making her the first Black woman to win the award in this category. The supporting cast includes Billy Brown as Nate Lahey, Jack Falahee as Connor Walsh, Aja Naomi King as Michaela Pratt, Matt McGorry as Asher Millstone, Karla Souza as Laurel Castillo, and Alfie Enoch as Wes Gibbins. The chemistry among the cast, combined with their complex character developments, significantly contributed to the show's success.

**Reception and Impact**

"How to Get Away with Murder" received critical acclaim, particularly for its writing, direction, and the performances of the cast, with Viola Davis's performance being a standout. The show has been praised for breaking new ground in terms of its portrayal of complex female characters, its handling of social issues, and its diverse casting.

**Legacy**

Despite concluding in 2020, HTGAWM has left a lasting legacy in the realm of television, especially within the legal drama genre. It challenged traditional narratives and character developments, especially in how it handles its diverse cast and socially charged narratives. It remains widely watched, not just in the United States but globally, through streaming platforms which continue to introduce the series to new audiences.

In conclusion, "How to Get Away with Murder" stands as a towering example of 21st-century American television drama, blending intense legal challenges with deeply personal stories. Even years after its finale, it remains an influential presence in the landscape of legal drama.